Thursday, January 27, 2011

I feel that the best place to trial this kind of transit network is in an area currently least served by last-mile transit in a local way. An area with a high concentration of people. My proposed network includes Foothills Medical Centre, which has a transit bus hub (marked by a 'T'), Motel Village, the University's Sports complex, 3 C-Train stations (Banff Trail, University and Brentwood - also marked with 'T'), Brentwood Village, the University grounds, the Children's Hospital and Market Mall. Based on the lines I drew on the map (click for a bigger view), I tried to create a network with as few choke points as possible while keeping initial building costs to a minimum. Keep in mind that this network is the initial phase with expansion potential built in. If ridership increases to a degree warranting expansion, you just keep building onto the existing network. This PRT network makes it possible to connect to/from one of 3 C-Train stations and get the rest of your way via autonomous electric pod travelling a private PRT guide way. These guide ways are narrow, easy to build and can be put above or below grade to cross roads and other obstacles without interruption.

I would suggest making the network free to use (with a transit fare or pass) and get the University, Foothills Medical Centre and Market Mall to help with the costs. It's win-win since making these facilities easier to get to via transit increases overall transit ridership dramatically, which in turn increases revenue.